There’s nothing like the excitement of dressing up in your favorite costume and trick-or-treating just as night falls on Halloween! While many children are occupied with the fear of ghosts and goblins, some have just one thing on their mind: candy. But beyond the sweet treats promised, Halloween offers many options for a fun and healthy holiday for the whole community! Here are some ideas:

• Walk while you trick-or-treat. Trick-or-treating on Halloween is a wonderful opportunity to be active with family and friends. Instead of driving in between houses, walk! Remember to be safe and walk with a group or trusted adult. Also be sure to bring a flashlight and stick to the sidewalks.
• Participate in fun Halloween-themed games. Monster Freeze Dance? Musical Pumpkins? Capture the Ghost? Get creative and play fun Halloween-themed games with friends. You’ll also get your daily dose of physical activity.
• Carving Pumpkins? Make Pumpkin seeds. Carving pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns is something kids should do with an adult. But it can be fun for kids to take out all the pumpkin “guts” and seeds. Did you know pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack? They are high in the mineral magnesium, which is essential for the function of the heart, muscles, and kidneys, activates enzymes, and contributes to energy production. Roast them in the oven while you tell scary stories!
• Pace the candy. Don’t let Halloween get in the way of your new healthy lifestyle! Enjoy only 1 or 2 pieces of candy a day and share the rest with friends. 

How is your community celebrating Halloween? Wishing you a very safe and happy holiday!

Want to know more?

CDC’s Healthy Halloween: http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

Halloween Scramble: http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/scramble.pdf